UNIT 1: maintaining dynamic equilibrium II Topic 1: The Nervous system! Ch. 12 (pp. 390-419) Cells, tissues, organs and ultimately organ systems must maintain a biological balance despite changing external conditions. Homeostasis is the state of internal balance so critical to existence. It represents a dynamic equilibrium displaying constant interactions and checks / balances both within organisms and between organisms and their environment. Structure and function of the Nervous System nervous system: a high-speed communication system which delivers information to and from the brain and spinal cord and all over the body. In any nervous system, there are 4 main components: (1) sensors: gather information from the external environment (sense organs) (2) conductors: carry information from sensors to modulators or from modulators to effectors (nerves) (3) modulators: interpret sensory information and send information to effectors (brain, spinal cord) (4) effectors: part of the body that responds because of information from a modulator (muscles, glands) The Nervous system is comprised of two divisions/sections 1. Central Nervous System (CNS): brain and spinal cord. The CNS receives sensory information and initiates motor control. protected by several things: 1. skull hard casing that protects the brain 2. vertebrae protects spinal cord 3. meninges three protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. They are filled with cerebrospinal fluid to help cushion. 4. Ventricles (cavities) in the brain which are filled with cerebrospinal fluid grey matter: brownish-grey nerve tissue consisting of mainly cell bodies within the brain and spinal cord white matter: the white nerve tissue of the brain and spinal cord, consisting of mostly myelinated neurons.
2. Peripheral Nervous System (PNS): includes nerves that lead into and out of the CNS. It consists of the autonomic nervous system and the somatic nervous system. This can be further subdivided into the autonomic nervous system and the somatic nervous system. 1. Autonomic Nervous System: The autonomic nervous system is not consciously controlled and is made up of the: A. Sympathetic nervous systems. Speeds up muscle activity and activates in times of stress; fight or flight response ex. Increases heart rate, breathing rate, nervousness B. Parasympathetic nervous systems. The network of nerves that counteract the sympathetic nervous system to slow down heart rate and relax muscles 2. Somatic nervous system: Made up of sensory nerves that carry impulses from the body s sense organs to the CNS. It consists of motor nerves that transmit commands from CNS to the muscles and deals primarily with the external world and the changes in it. It is able to control subtle reflexes such as blinking which does not require a conscious decision. Think of it like this:
The Brain Has three main parts: (1) cerebrum (2) cerebellum (3) brain stem. The brain is divided into regions that control specific functions. 1. Cerebrum : the part of the brain where all information from our senses is sorted and interpreted. Voluntary muscles that control movement and speech are stimulated from this part of the brain. Memories are stored and decisions are made in this region. It is the center of human consciousness and separates us from every other animal on the planet. The Cerebrum is divided into two Hemispheres (left and Right) and 4 lobes: Frontal, Parietal, Occipital and Temporal. 1. frontal lobe contains primary motor area, premotor area, Broca s area (motor speech), and pre-frontal area (association) 2. temporal lobe located at sides of head. Contains auditory association area, primary auditory area, and sensory speech (Wernicke s area) 3. parietal lobe located near top of brain. Contains primary somatosensory area, somatosensory association area and primary taste area. Sense of touch, pain, temperature (sensory strip). Interprets signals from vision, hearing, motor, sensory and memory Spatial perception. 4. occipital lobe located at back of cerebrum. Contains primary visual area and visual association area. Cerebral cortex divided into two hemispheres, right and left. The cortex consists of grey matter and the two hemispheres are connected by a structure called the corpus callosum, a layer of white matter which transmits between the two hemispheres really quickly. Not all functions of the hemispheres are shared. In general, the left hemisphere controls speech, comprehension, arithmetic, and writing. The right hemisphere controls creativity, spatial ability, artistic, and musical skills. The left hemisphere is dominant in hand use and language in about 92% of people. (Split Brain Studies!!)
2. Cerebellum The part of brain that is responsible for muscle coordination contains 50% of the brain s neurons but only takes up 10% of the space It controls our balance. We do not have to think about certain skills as we get older because they are controlled by the cerebellum. 3. Brainstem (Midbrain, pons and medulla oblongata) Midbrain A short section of brainstem between the cerebrum and the pons. It is involved in sight and hearing. Pons Contains bundles of axons traveling between the cerebellum and rest of CNS. It works with the medulla to regulate breathing rate and has reflex centers involved in head movement. Medulla Oblongata: attached to the spinal cord at the base of the brain and has a number of functions all related to a particular structure. The cardiac center controls heart rate and force of contractions. The vasomotor center adjusts blood pressure by controlling blood vessel diameter. The respiratory center controls rate and depth of breathing. It also contains reflex centers for hiccupping, vomiting, coughing and swallowing. Damage to this part of the brain is usually fatal. Thalamus: the sensory relay center. It receives information such as touch, pain, heat, cold as well as information from the muscles. Mild sensations are relayed to the appropriate part of the cerebrum (conscious part of the brain). If sensation is strong, the thalamus triggers a more immediate reaction while transferring the sensations to the homeostatic control center, the hypothalamus. Hypothalamus A complex bundle of tissue that acts as the main control center for the autonomic nervous system. It enables the body to respond to external threats by sending impulses to various organs via the sympathetic nervous system. After the threat has passed, it re-establishes homeostasis by stimulating the parasympathetic nervous system. The Spinal Chord Extends from the base of the brain all the way down the vertebral column. Surrounded by the vertebral column that protects it. Consists of White and Grey matter. Grey matter is comprised of non-myelinated neurons. White matter contains myelinated neurons. Contains a ventral and dorsal root for each nerve. Dorsal root receives sensory impulses and transfers them to the brain. The Ventral root sends out motor impulses from the brain to the effectors (glands or muscles)
Reflex Acts and Arcs Reflex act: An automatic involuntary response to a stimulus a reflex. Reflex arc: It is a nerve path that leads from a stimulus to a reflex action. (see fig. 12.7, p. 396 Reflex arc) (A) Sensory neuron receives a stimulus (such as heat or pain) that triggers nerve endings in hand. The nerve endings are dendrites of a sensory neuron. A strong stimulus is required to activate the neuron. (B) An impulse travels along this neuron and goes to the spinal cord where the signal is passed on to interneurons (link between sensory and motor neurons). (C) A motor neuron is stimulated and transmits an impulse along its axon. The motor neuron triggers contractions of muscles in your arm and you pull your hand away. (D) While this happens, other interneurons in the spinal cord transmit a message to your brain making you aware of what has happened. ReflexLab!! Conditions Necessary for a Nervous Response? These four things must occur: (1) Sensory receptors to detect a stimulus (skin, eye, ear); (2) Method for impulse transmission (neurons); (3) Interpretation of analysis of impulses (brain and spinal cord); (4) Response carried out by an effector (muscle, gland). Neurons (nerve cells ) Neurons are the structural and functional unit of the nervous system. Neurons are cells that send and receive electro-chemical signals to and from the brain and nervous system. There are about 100 billion neurons in the brain. Unlike most other cells, neurons cannot regrow after damage. Fortunately, there are about 100 billion neurons in the brain. They can transmit nerve signals to and from the brain at up to 200 miles/h (or 267 km/h). There are many type of neurons. They vary in size from 4 microns (0.004 mm) to 100 microns (0.1 mm) in diameter. Their length varies from a fraction of an inch to several feet. Neurons can survive over 100 years, and most do not undergo cell division after adolescence (but some can be repaired). All neurons utilize aerobic cellular respiration (requires oxygen) to produce ATP for cell processes and for the sodium/ potassium pump (Na + /K + pump). Points of Interest : PNS consists of nerves or numerous neurons held together by connective tissue. CNS is also made up of neurons and contain 90 % of body s neurons.
Text reference Axon (Figure 12.6, p. 395). Neurons consist of three basic parts : (1) Cell body ; (2) Dendrites ; (3) Axon. Dendrites are the primary site for receiving signals from other neurons. Depending on the neurons function, the number can range from one to thousands. Cell body has a large centrally located nucleus and a large nucleolus. It s cytoplasm contain many mitochondria along with a Golgi complex and rough ER. Axon is a long cylindrical extension of the cell body than can range from 1mm to 1 m. It transmits waves of depolarization along its length and at the end of the axon are structures that release chemicals Axon terminal (terminal branches) is the bulb like ends of the axon, (end brushes or terminal ending). The end of the axon that branches off and comes in close contact with the dendrites of neighbouring neurons (does not touch them). Spaces between neurons are synapses. Axon terminals contain synaptic vesicles which hold neurotransmitters Schwann Cells insulate cells around an axon. It speeds up waves of depolarization. It is covered with a fatty layer called myelin sheath. Each Schwann cell is separated by a gap called the node of Ranvier. A myelinated neuron enables nerve impulses to jump from one node of Ranvier to the next speeding up the wave of depolarization to about 120 m/s (many signals only move at 2 m/s). This is called Saltatory Conduction Schwann cells also have an important function. Most mature neurons do not reproduce. If the outer layer of Schwann cell neurolemma) is present in a neuron, the cell is capable of regenerating if the damage is not too severe. If a neuron is cut, the severed end of the axon grows a number of extensions or sprouts and the original axon grows a regeneration tube from its neurolemma. If one of the sprouts connects with the regeneration tube, the axon can reform itself. * CNS neurons do not regenerate
Classes of neurons 1. sensory neurons take information from a receptor (such as pain or light) to the CNS via interneurons 2. interneurons connect sensory neurons to the CNS and the CNS to the motor neurons 3. motor neurons receive information from the CNS (via interneurons) and carries it to an effector (muscle or gland) Note: Reflex responses involve all three types of neurons, but no brain involvement. They go through the spinal cord. The impulses travel directly to the spinal cord from the affected body part, crosses a small interneuron, and then moves to a motor neuron that transmits the impulse to a muscle, which contracts. How a neuron works Resting Potential/Resting Neuron When a Neuron is at rest it normally has a positive (+) charge on the outside of the membrane while having a negative (-) charge on the inside. There is a voltage difference of -70 mv referred to as the Resting Potential or Threshold level that exists in this condition. How is Resting Potential Achieved? The outside has high concentrations of sodium ions and lower concentrations of potassium ions. Chlorine which has a negative charge is also outside the membrane. Inside the cell there are proteins, amino acids and phosphates and sulfates which have a negative charge. The positive charges inside the membrane are caused by a high concentration of potassium and a lower concentration of sodium. The membrane has specialized channels for the movement of sodium, potassium and chlorine, but proteins and amino acids (larger anions) are trapped inside the cell.. At rest, the membrane is 50 times more permeable to potassium than to sodium which means that while sodium is moving into the cell there is more potassium diffusing out of the cell. When this happens this causes the inside of the cell to become more negatively charged. Although the increasing negative charge within the cell attracts both the sodium and the potassium the sodium potassium pump found in the cell membrane offsets this attraction. The pump uses active transport to pull three sodium cations from the inside of the cell to the outside and in exchange two potassium cations are pulled from the outside to the inside and thereby increasing the difference in the charge. The slight difference in charge is due to the unequal distribution of cations and anions. The difference in charge is about -70 mv and is referred to as the resting potential.
Depolarization : When a neuron is sufficiently stimulated (Beyond the threshold level) the following occurs: (1) A wave of depolarization is triggered; (2) Gates of potassium channels close and the gates of the sodium channels open ; (3) Sodium ions rush into the axon; this causes a change in the charge on the outside and inside of the axon (outside becomes negative, inside becomes positive) (4) This change in charge is called the action potential; (5) The depolarization of one part of the axon causes the gates of neighbouring sodium channels to open and continues along the length of the axon. Repolarization : - The reestablishment of the normal distribution of ions in an axon (+ outside/- inside) (1) Axons are only depolarized for a split second; (2) Immediately after the sodium channels have opened to cause depolarization the gates of the potassium channels re-open and potassium ions move out; (3) The sodium channels close at the same time; (4) This action combined with the rapid active transport of sodium out of the axon by the sodium potassium pump re-establishes the polarity of that region of the axon. The speed of which this process occurs allows an axon to send many impulses along its length every second if stimulated sufficiently. Refractory Period The brief time between the triggering of an impulse along an axon and when it is available for the next is called the refractory period. No new action potentials can occur during this time. Myelin increases the speed of a wave of depolarization. The threshold is a strong enough stimulus to fire a neuron. The strength of the stimulus does not affect the speed of the response. The All or None Response The impulse which travels down a neuron is electrical, and it has to be stimulated or started somehow. If a neuron is given a mild stimulus, there is a brief and small change in the charge of the cell membrane in the area of the stimulus but this does not continue down the length of the neuron. However, a larger stimulus will cause the impulse to travel the length of the axon. All or none principle: if an axon is stimulated sufficiently (above the threshold), the axon will trigger an impulse down the length of the axon. If not, the impulse is not triggered.
It is analogous to firing a gun; you have to use enough power to pull the trigger and any less will cause the gun not to fire. Similarly, pressing the trigger harder does not cause the bullet to go faster. With neurons (like guns), axons cannot send strong or weak responses. Strong environmental stimuli are determined by other things: for example, the number of neurons activated and the type of neurons activated (some neurons have higher thresholds than others) The Synapse (see Fig. 12.16, p. 405) Synapse: junction between a neuron and another neuron or muscle cell Neurons do not directly connected with other neurons. Instead, there are spaces which allow impulses to be spread to several surrounding neurons, not simply one. The presynaptic neuron carries wave of depolarization toward the synapse. The postsynaptic neuron receives the stimulus. How does the wave cross the synapse? (1) Wave of depolarization reaches the end of presynaptic axon. (2) It triggers opening of special calcium ion gates. (3)Neurotransmitter is stored in tiny membrane packets called synaptic vesicles which can be triggered to secrete by fusing with the presynaptic membrane at the transmitter release site. (4)The synaptic vesicles are docked at the release site ready for secretion. (5)Influx of calcium ions through selective voltage sensitive ion channels (calcium channels) plays a key role to link the action potential to the triggering of secretory vesicle discharge (6) Calcium triggers the release of neurotransmitter molecules (by exocytosis). (7) Neurotransmitter is released from special vacuoles called synaptic vesicles. (8) Neurotransmitter diffuses into the gap between the axon and the dendrites of the neighbouring postsynaptic neurons. (9) Neurotransmitter attaches to receptors on dendrites and excites or inhibits the neuron. These neurotransmitters diffuse across the gap and attach to special receptors on the dendrites of neighboring neurons causing either an excitatory response or an inhibitory response. NOTE : An excitatory response opens the sodium gates and triggers a wave of depolarization. Inhibitory response makes the postsynaptic neuron more negative on the inside which raises the threshold of the stimulus. Neurons can stimulate more than other neurons muscles and glands are also simulated in the same way. Muscles contract and Glands secrete substances such as hormones
Neurotransmitter: chemicals that are secreted by neurons to stimulate motor neurons and central nervous system neurons. Synaptic vesicles: specialized vacuole in the bulb-like end of the axons of a nerve cell containing neurotransmitters that are released into the synapse when a nerve impulse is received. Excitatory response: process in which the neurotransmitter reaches the dendrites of a postsynaptic neuron and a wave of depolarization is generated by the resultant opening of sodium gated channels. Inhibitory response: process in which the postsynaptic neuron is made more negative on the inside to raise the threshold of stimulus (usually by opening of chloride channels) Neurotransmitters may also be found in the endocrine system as hormones. For example, the neurotransmitters noradrenaline and adrenaline are used as hormones as well. Neurotransmitters 1. Acetylcholine is a primary neurotransmitter of somatic nervous system and parasympathetic nervous system. It can have excitatory or inhibitory effects for example, it stimulates skeletal muscles and inhibits cardiac muscle. 2. Noradrenaline (also called norepinephrine) is the primary neurotransmitter of the sympathetic nervous system (fight or flight). 3. Glutamate is a neurotransmitter of the cerebral cortex that accounts for 75 % of all excitatory transmissions from the brain. 4. GABA (gamma aminobutyric acid) is the most common inhibitory neurotransmitter of the brain. 5. Dopamine elevates mood and controls skeletal muscles. Also helps control the brain's reward and pleasure centers. Dopamine also helps regulate movement and emotional responses, and it enables us not only to see rewards, but to take action to move toward them. 6. Seratonin is involved in alertness, sleepiness, thermoregulation and mood. Serotonin is considered a natural mood stabilizer. It s the chemical that helps with sleeping, eating, and digesting. Serotonin also helps to reduce depression and regulate anxiety. The role of cholinesterase: The function of the cholinesterase is to break down acetylcholine. Cholinesterase ensures that the nervous system works properly by preventing the accumulation of acetylcholine and the overstimulation of muscles and nerves.
Classes of drugs: 1. Depressants slow down the CNS; relaxes and causes people to feel less pain. Also decreases coordination and movement ex. Alcohol, heroin, morphine, Valium, anesthetics the drug Valium increases GABA levels to reduce anxiety anesthetics can be general or local local: affect only a small area general: affect all nervous system activity 2. Stimulants speed up the CNS; increase energy and confidence ex. Caffeine, cocaine, MDMA (ecstasy) and nicotine Ecstasy depletes serotonin supply, and long term use may permanently alter neurotransmitter levels in the CNS 3. Hallucinogens cause an altered state or reality; affect memory or pleasure centers as well as perception Marijuana, LSD (acid) STSE: Drugs and homeostasis! Disorders of the Nervous System Multiple Sclerosis (MS) It affects nerve cells surrounding brain and spinal cord. The myelin becomes inflamed or damaged and disrupts impulses. Some symptoms are: blurred or double vision, slurred speech, loss of coordination, muscle weakness, tingling or numbness in arms and legs, and seizures. MS attacks occur in episodes where symptoms become worse alternating with periods where the symptoms improve. Many people have MS which is rapid and severe. MS is believed to be an autoimmune disorder where the immune system attacks the myelin sheaths of the body s own nerve cells. At present there is no cure, but treatment involves medication to suppress the autoimmune reaction.
Alzheimer s Disease It causes impairment of brain s intellectual function such as memory and orientation. The brain gradually deteriorates causing memory loss, confusion, and impaired judgement. Alzheimer s results from protein deposits called amyloids that distort the communication paths between brain cells. Also, acetylcholine levels begin to drop causing further breakdown of communication. There is no present means of prevention, but cholinesterase inhibitors are given to increase the levels of acetylcholine and to improve intellectual function Parkinson s disease It is a chronic movement disorder caused by the gradual death of cells that produce dopamine. Remember that dopamine carries messages between the areas of brain controlling body movements. The symptoms begin as tremors in one side of the body and as disease progresses, the tremors spread to both sides of the body causing the limbs to become rigid, body movements to slow and an abnormal gait to develop. By the time the first symptoms develop, 70-80 % of the brain cells that produce dopamine have already been lost. Treatments involve medication to boost dopamine levels (sadly, long term use can impair mental abilities). Also, small lesions in the brain can be created by surgeons or implanting electrodes in parts of brain that are overactive. Meningitis It is a viral or bacterial infection of the meninges. Viral meningitis is common in children and usually clears after 7-10 days. If not treated immediately, the more serious bacterial meningitis is usually fatal. Symptoms include: headache, fever, and a stiff neck, light sensitivity, drowsiness, and vomiting. It is diagnosed by testing the cerebrospinal fluid that surrounds the spinal cord for the presence of the bacteria or immune system activity (spinal tap or lumbar puncture). Vaccines are available for bacterial meningitis, but it can have severe long-lasting effects such as hearing impairment. Fatality rates are 10%. Huntington s Disease (or Huntington s Chorea) It is a fatal autosomal dominant disorder in which the nerve cells in certain parts of the brain deteriorate. It causes major progressive decreases in mental and emotional abilities and loss of control over major muscle movements. Each child of a parent with Huntington s has a 50 % chance of inheriting the disorder. There is no cure at present and no way to slow its progression. Symptoms include: memory loss, dementia, involuntary twitching, clumsiness, chorea (jerky movements), and personality changes. ALS: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (also known as Lou Gehrig's disease) A fatal neurodegenerative disease. People living with the disease become progressively paralyzed due to degeneration of the upper and lower motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord. Eighty per cent of people with ALS die within two to five years of diagnosis unable to breathe or swallow. Ten per cent of those affected may live for 10 years or longer. ALS has no known cure or effective treatment yet. For every person diagnosed with ALS, a person living with ALS dies. Approximately 2,500-3,000 Canadians currently live with this fatal disease.
Technology and Brain Study Early knowledge of brain function came from studying the brains of people with brain diseases or injury. Brain damage causes symptoms such as loss of particular body functions or changes in behaviour. Scientists believed that the area of the brain which was abnormal must control whatever body function was changed. What would be some of the reasons for scientists to be reluctant to study the human brain? It is mainly ethical reasons in early days of brain study (not probe healthy human brains). Modern methods (1) EEG (electroencephalograph) Invented in 1924 by Dr. Hans Borger. EEG measures the electrical activity of the functioning brain and allows doctors to diagnose disorders such as epilepsy and locate brain tumours. It is also used during sleep to study sleeping disorders. (2) Electrical stimulation of brain during surgery Used to map functions of areas of the brain. The brain has no pain receptors so surgery can be performed with anaesthesia while the patient is fully awake. (3) Computerized tomography (CAT) scans are a series of cross-sectional x-rays to create a computer generated three dimensional image of a part of the body. (4) Positron emission tomography (PET) scans identify which area of the brain is most active when a subject performs certain tasks. (5) Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scans uses large magnets, radio frequencies and computers to produce detailed images of the brain and other body structures. Treatment of Brain Injury : Stroke Caused by a lack of oxygen to a portion of the brain, (usually caused by blood clot ), that causes a portion of brain to die. Clot busting drugs must be given to patient within three hours, but may cause life-threatening bleeding in the brain. Aspirin may be prescribed, (to reduce the stickiness of platelets), and thus reduce the chance of a clot forming. NOTE : If a stroke is caused by an aneurysm, (a broken blood vessel in the brain), and blood has been thinned by aspirin, the bleeding can become worse. There is no evidence to suggest that daily aspirin will prevent strokes. 1. Spinal Cord Injuries A gene has been identified that inhibits spinal regeneration (NOGO).NOGO produces a protein that prevents neurons of the CNS from regenerating. This isolated protein is believed to prevent
wild uncontrollable growth of tissue. Researchers hope that this will lead to drug therapies that will lead to damaged CNS tissue to regenerate. NOTE: 1000 neurons may be created each day even in the brains of people in their 50's and 70's. They do not arise from mitosis but from a reserve of embryonic stem cells. These stem cells are found in some parts of the brain, but do not form into specialized cells during brain development. Similar stem cells are found in bone marrow and are responsible for a wide variety of blood cells found in the body. The Eye (see Fig. 12.19, p. 410) The eye is composed of three layers. Sclera: A thick, white outer layer that gives the eye its shape. At the front of the eye where the sclera bulges out and becomes clear is the cornea. The thin, transparent membrane which covers the cornea and is kept moist from fluid from the tear glands is the conjunctiva. Choroid layer: This is the middle layer of the eye which absorbs light (which has not been absorbed by the sclera) and prevents internal reflection. At the front of the eye, it becomes the iris (opens and closes to control the size of the pupil). The pupil is the opening in the center of the iris of the eye which allows light to enter the eye. The lens is the structure behind the iris that focuses light on the retina. Retina: The inner layer of the eye is composed of two types of photoreceptors: (A) rods (more sensitive to light than cones but unable to distinguish colours) and (B) cones (require more light than cones to be stimulated but are able to detect red, green, and blue). Cones are not evenly distributed on the retina. They are concentrated in an area called the fovea centralis which is directly behind the center of the lens. Terminology: Iris: the muscle that adjusts the pupil to regulate the amount of light that enters the eye. Pupil: the aperture in the middle of the iris of the eye. The size of the aperture can be adjusted to control the amount of light Lens: a transparent, bi-convex body situated behind the iris of the eye to focus an image on the retina Retina: the innermost layer of the eye; contains rods and cones, bipolar cells and ganglion cells Sclera: the thick, white outer layer that gives the eye its shape Cornea: the clear part of the sclera at the front of the eye
Choroid layer: the middle layer of the eye, which absorbs light and prevents internal reflection. This layer forms the iris at the front of the eye Rods: photoreceptors in the eye; more sensitive to light than cones, but unable to distinguish color Cones: color receptors in the eye (red, green, blue) Fovea centralis: concentration of cones on the retina located directly behind the center of the lens. Vision is the most acute here optic nerve: conducts information received from rods and cones to the brain for interpretation. Blind spot: an area on the retina where there are no rods or cones present; locate where blood vessels enter the eye The eye may be looked at as having two chambers, anterior and posterior, which are divided by the lens. Anterior chamber is between the cornea and the lens and is filled with a transparent watery fluid called the aqueous humour. It is like a pre - lens which initiates the process of focussing an image on the retina before it encounters the lens. The posterior compartment is behind the lens and is filled with a clear gel called the vitreous humour and helps to maintain the shape of the eyeball. How the eye works As light enters the eye, the pupil will dilate if there isn t enough light or it will constrict if there s too much. As well, the shape of the lens changes depending on how far away the object is. Accommodation: in the eye, adjustment that the ciliary body makes to the shape of the lens to focus on objects at varying distances When the object is far away, the lens is flattened When the object is close, the lens is rounded Light enters the eye through the pupil. As it does, light rays become bent at the cornea and the lens in such a way that an inverted and reversed image of the object focuses on the retina. Information from this image is captured by rods and cones, which transmit their info to bipolar cells and then ganglion cells (optic nerve). Cones transmit information to a single bipolar cell, but require more light to become stimulated. As a result, cones see more detail and are best suited for lighted situations (daytime). Rods, however, are very sensitive to light and cannot distinguish color. As well, many rods connect to a single bipolar cell (up to 100 rods per bipolar cell). This causes images to be blurry. As a result, rods are best suited to situations where there isn t much light and details are not important.
Disorders of the Visual System (1) cataracts- cloudy or opaque areas on the lens of the eye that increases in size over time and can lead to blindness if not medically treatment (2) Glaucoma build-up of the aqueous humor in the eye that irreversibly damages the nerve fibers responsible for peripheral vision (3) Myopia near-sightedness, or difficulty in seeing things that are far away. The condition is caused by too strong ciliary muscles or a too-long eyeball (4) Hyperopia far-sightedness, or difficulty in seeing near objects. This condition is caused by weak ciliary muscles or a too short eyeball (5) Astigmatism abnormality in the shape of the cornea or lens that results in uneven focus (6) Lazy Eye-- an eye that diverges in gaze and is more formally called strabismus. A lazy eye (strabismus) can be due to either esotropia (cross-eyed) or exotropia (wall-eyed). The danger of the condition is that the brain comes to rely more on one eye than the other and that part of the brain circuitry connected to the less-favoured eye fails to develop properly, leading to amblyopia (blindness) in that eye. Treatments of Eye Disorders 1) Corrective lenses glasses, contact lenses (see. Fig 12.22, p. 414) with near-sightedness, the image focuses in front of the retina. This can be fixed using a concave lens with far-sightedness, the image focuses behind the retina. This can be fixed using convex lenses Astigmatisms are unique and may require combinations of convex and/or concave lenses to bring images into focus on the retina (2) Laser surgery two types Photorefractive keratectomy (PRK): non-invasive, simple procedure LASIK surgery: more complex, some surgery required (corneal) Both surgeries may diminish eyesight
(3) Corneal transplant Corneas come from organ donors; no need to match blood types Recovery long; most patients do well though Recurrence of disease unusual Note: The classic treatment for a moderately lazy eye has long been an eye patch, covering the stronger eye with a patch, forcing the weaker eye to do enough work to catch up. However, eye drops can work as well as an eye patch in correcting moderate lazy eye and preventing the development of amblyopia. Atropine eyedrops are instilled daily in the stronger (dominant) eye. The atropine works by blurring rather than blocking vision in the stronger eye. Severe strabismus may require surgery. The surgery is designed to increase or decrease the tension of the small muscles outside the eye. The Human Ear The ear is also a homeostatic organ. It has mechanoreceptors that translate movement of air into a series of nerve impulses that the brain is able to interpret as sound. It is divided into three separate sections : (1) outer ear ; (2) middle ear ; (3) inner ear. (1) Outer ear pinna and auditory canal : Auditory canal contains tiny hairs and sweat glands, some of which are modified to secrete earwax that protects the ear from foreign particles. (2) Middle ear begins at the tympanic membrane or eardrum and ends at two small openings called the round window and the oval window. Between the tympanic membrane and the oval window are the three smallest bones : Malleus (hammer) Incus (anvil) Stapes (stirrup) These three bones comprise the ossicles. Between the middle ear and the nasopharynx is the auditory tube or the eustachian tube. This tube allows ear pressure to equalize, and in elevators and airplanes, yawning can cause the air to move through the eustachian tube and the ear will pop. (3)Inner ear consists of three sections : Cochlea (involved in hearing) Vestibule (balance and equilibrium) Semicircular canals (balance and equilibrium). The inner ear is filled with fluid, whereas the outer and middle ear contain air.
How we hear : (1) Sound waves enter the auditory canal. (2) Sound waves cause the tympanic membrane to vibrate. (3) These vibrations pass across the tympanic membrane to the malleus, which causes the incus and the stapes to move. (4) The stapes passes the vibration to the membrane of the oval window, which passes it through to the fluid within the cochlea. (5) The cochlea contains three canals : vestibular,cochlear and tympanic. (i) Vestibular canal joins the tympanic canal and leads to the round window. (ii) Lower wall of the cochlear canal is formed from the basilar membrane. (iii) Basilar membrane has tiny hair cells which connect to the tectorial membrane. (pg 416) (6) Hair cells in the cochlear canal combine to form the spiral organ, or the organ of Corti and synapse with fibres from the cochlear or auditory nerve. Ear Disorders (I) Nerve deafness is caused by damage to hair cells in the spiral organ. Hearing loss is usually uneven, with some frequencies more affected than others. It usually happens with aging and cannot usually be reversed. (II) Conduction deafness is caused by damage to outer or middle ear that affects the transmission of sound waves to the inner ear. It can be improved with hearing aids. (III) Ear Infections: caused by fluid build-up behind the eardrums, common in children. fluid builds up because of the shallow angle of the auditory tube. Treatments 1. Hearing Aids : (A) Conventional use a microphone to gather sound, an amplifier to increase the sound, and a receiver to transmit the sound to the inner ear. The volume is adjustable by user. (B) Programmable have an analog circuit that healthcare professional can program for an individual s needs. It has automatic volume control and sound is processed digitally. Individuals differ in hearing loss at different frequencies so different frequencies require different amounts of amplification. It can be tailored to the individual. 2. Eustachian Tube Implants : Children can get a fluid build-up behind the eardrum which causes chronic middle ear infection ; (due to shallow angle between eustachian tube and middle ear and proper fluid drainage does not occur). A common solution is typanostomy tube surgery or eustachian tube implants. The tubes are laced in tiny slit in the eardrum relieving pressure from built-up fluid and allowing fluid to drain. It is simple surgery, rarely with complications. The tubes are usually pushed out as eardrum heals (6 months to 2 years).